1. Unit III: Early Religions Zoroastrianism
Founded by Zoroaster, a Persian priest who lived ~ 700 – 600 BC.
He received a revelation; the world was ruled by one God, not many – Ahura Mazda.
He spent his life preaching his revelation and converted the peoples of the Iran (Persia) and Iraq (Babylonia).

2. Zoroaster

3. Legends of Zoroaster Conceived in a flash of light – virgin birth.
Born laughing, not crying
Engaged wise men in debate at a young age
Tamed wild beasts, performed healings, drove off evil spirits
At 30, went to the desert, received his revelation.

4. Beliefs Ahura Mazda is the creator, good.
Angra Mainyu opposes him, represents the forces of chaos, evil (nearly as powerful)
12000 year battle between them
People must ally themselves with Ahura Mazda against the forces of darkness.

5. Ahura Mazda

6. Traditional Death Rituals
Bodies returned to nature, no burial, no cremation
Placed in a Dakhma, a round open air tower
The elements and scavengers destroy the body

7. Dakhma

8. Modern Practices They adapt to the countries they live in
Ritual washing of the body

9. The Soul
The Soul is accompanied by a “guardian spirit (angel)” to the Bridge of the Separator
Their deeds are judged. Go to heaven or hell.

10. Sacred Writings The Avestan Scriptures (Five Parts)
Hymns, prayers, laws, teachings
The Gathas are the spiritual core of the Yasna liturgy

11. Symbols Fire Represents the divine presence
Burns continuously in the sanctuary. A priest maintains it

12. Sacred Fire

13. Zoroastrians today 140 000 world wide
India (Parsis) –mostly in Mumbai (Bombay)
Iran
Us and Canada

14. Film The Story of Zoroastrianism
8:26